No More Boring Maps: 100 Old Maps for Inspiration

Posted on by Chris

No More Boring Maps. 100 Old Maps for Inspiration

Maps are very relevant to modern day designers. Web designers often place maps for directions to a business on the contact pages of sites they build. App designers make heavy use of maps — augmented reality anyone? The saying is true, there really is nothing new under the sun. Maps have been around for a very long time as have cartographers. Get some inspiration from these old map designs. If you look closely, you’ll find some excellent patterns, flourishes, line-work and attention to detail. There are also many different styles to be found within the maps in this roundup. Some of these maps are truly ancient from hundreds of years ago while others are simply “old” in the sense that they weren’t made in the last 10 years. Still other maps in this roundup simply look. Aside from gathering some inspiration from this roundup, you may also find some of these maps make great textures or backgrounds, especially those with old wrinkly paper that looks very worn. The next time you need to include a map in your design, why not create a cool custom map design and ditch the screenshot from Google Maps you like to paste into everything…

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About Chris

Chris is the co-founder and co-editor of Freelance Review. Chris also co-founded Brandeluxe. In addition to Freelance Review, Chris also runs Design News Source and Daily Design Advice. Follow on Twitter at (Freelance Review | Brandeluxe | Design News Source).
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3 Responses No More Boring Maps: 100 Old Maps for Inspiration

  1. CartoGaia says:

    As a freelance cartographer, I never get tired of looking at old, hand drawn, or fantasy maps for inspiration. This is a fantastic collection. I love the water texture on the Avernus Falls map especially.

  2. BDB says:

    Great maps. Love the close up of the Isle of Man.

  3. Edgar Leijs says:

    I freaking love old maps! I thank thou on my knees :)

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